In this work, we developed an inexp

In this work, we developed an inexpensive CrPO4 catalyst to synthesizefurfural from xylose and wheat straw, which had not only excellentcatalytic activity similar to ionic liquid catalyst but also exhibiteda preferred reusability. To the best of our knowledge, the use ofCrPO4 catalyst in the conversion of biomass into furfural has not beenreported yet. It was found that CrPO4 as a bifunctional catalyst significantlypromoted the formation of furfural from xylose and the efficientcatalytic performance was also suitable for the conversion ofwheat straw. Moreover, the recyclability of CrPO4 was also investigated,and the results indicated that the desired furfural yield wasavailable after four cycles. More interestingly, after the reaction wascomplete, the partially dissolved CrPO4 was precipitated with thecooling of the temperature. Combining this phenomenon, the possibleconversion mechanism of biomass into furfural catalyzed by the bifunctionalCrPO4 catalyst was discussed.